Summer Fun in the Hudson Valley 2011

Tennis Anyone?

Want to work on your fitness, hand-eye coordination, and suntan all at the same time? Then hit one of the Valley’s many public outdoor tennis courts — no whites or costly membership fees required. Many towns and counties have tennis courts and offer summer programs for the whole family. For instance, at Cronomer Hill Park in Newburgh, there are six lighted courts available to the public for free, on a first-come, first-serve basis. During the month of July, the Town of Newburgh offers four-day tennis clinics for kids. Check with your local recreation department to see what programs are offered in your area.

Though joining a club means shelling out some dough, you get what you pay for. At Rhinebeck Tennis Club, for instance, that means a pro-shop, a teaching staff of USPTA registered tennis pros, a service for finding partners, and more. Some, like the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club or Cross Court Tennis in Wappingers, also have pools for member use; Cross Court charges just $25 for the day, which includes court and pool access. Explains Rhinebeck Tennis owner Bob Myerson: “The main difference between a park tennis facility and a club is the ambience. A club is more relaxed and private, quiet and serene. There’s a clubhouse, you can get lunch and sit in the garden. There won’t be bunches of kids running all over the place.” Different strokes for different folks.